Nnamdi Kanu: Ohanaeze Urges FG to Embrace Reconciliation Opportunity

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, a leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called on the Federal Government to seize the opportunity for negotiation offered by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Background

During his trial on Wednesday, Nnamdi Kanu hinted at the possibility of an out-of-court settlement regarding the treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government. This indication was made before Justice Binta Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu's lead lawyer, Mr. Ejimakor Aloy, urged the court to invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows for reconciliation and amicable settlement in criminal or civil matters. Aloy mentioned that he had previously discussed this proposition with the Federal Government's counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who indicated that the appropriate time for such a discussion had not yet come.

Ohanaeze's Appeal

In response, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, issued a statement on Thursday urging the government to accept the reconciliation window offered by Kanu. Okwu emphasized that the Igbo community has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to Kanu's case. He highlighted the importance of this opportunity for ensuring peace in the South-East region.

“We restate that considering the carnage we have witnessed in the South-East for several years now, no price is too much for peace. Our passionate appeal to the Federal Government is to, in the interest of peace and security, dialogue with Kanu and bring to an end the unrest in the South-East. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the father of the nation, should please allow the dialogue process to commence as soon as possible,” Okwu stated.

Call for Peace

The Ohanaeze group also addressed those involved in attacks in the South-East, urging them to reconsider their actions. “It is gratifying to hear Mazi Nnamdi Kanu condemn their actions; you cannot continue to kill your own people in the name of agitation for freedom. We appeal to their conscience, just like Kanu said, to stop making our young women widows and their children fatherless,” the statement read.

Conclusion

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide is calling for immediate dialogue between the Federal Government and Nnamdi Kanu to restore peace and security in the South-East. This reconciliation process is seen as a crucial step towards ending years of unrest and violence in the region.